Police searching for suspect in overnight south side attack

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Edmonton police are investigating, after officers were called to a violent attack in McKernan early Wednesday morning.

Police were called to the area of 109 Street and 74 Avenue at about 1 a.m. Wednesday on reports of an assault.

Investigators said the 33-year-old woman had been walking home after shopping in the Whyte Avenue area at about 12:40 a.m., when police said she was jumped from behind by a male assailant.

The woman was thrown to the ground, and wrestled with her attacker for a short time before the assailant fled the scene on foot.

Officers spent several hours searching for clues that would help them track down the suspect – the K9 Unit and Air 1 were also called in to help.

This is the tenth assault reported in the general area since March – and area residents are taking extra precautions.

“I don’t typically go out late after dark by myself,” Resident Caitlin Gauthier said. “I try to be by myself and I park in a garage so I’m not so worried about being parked outside and having to come inside on my own.”

“If this continues, maybe after 8 or 9 p.m, I won’t go out that often, at least alone,” Abhinandhan Raghu said. “If I go out, maybe I’ll go out with two or three people.”

The suspect in this case is described as:

Caucasian

Between 27 and 33-years-old

Approximately 177 cm (5’10”) tall

The assailant was reportedly wearing a light-coloured winter jacket with a hood and a multi-coloured toque.

Anyone with information on the assault is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

With files from David Ewasuk

Photos

Police on the scene of a random attack in the area of 109 St. and 74 Ave. on Wednesday, December 19.